Education for Homeless Children and Youth
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. In Contra Costa County there are an estimated 2,600 homeless children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Contra Costa County Office of Education, Youth Services Department, provides support and resources to the 18 School Districts, CCCOE-Operated School Sites, and Charter Schools to implement McKinney-Vento. Technical assistance and training are also available to district homeless liaisons and other staff who are involved in working with homeless children and youth.
Homeless Situations
Homeless Situations![]()
Homeless Situations
The term homeless children and youth means "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include the following living situations:
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Living in motels or hotels
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings or other facilities not designed for regular sleeping accommodations for human beings
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason
- Runaway or unaccompanied youth
- Youth abandoned in hospitals
Homeless Children and Youth Have the Right to:
Homeless Children and Youth Have the Right to:![]()
Homeless Children and Youth Have the Right to:
- Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they've lived there
- Continue in the school last attended before they became homeless if that is their choice and is feasible
- Receive transportation to school if they request such transportation
- Participate in all programs for which they are eligible
- Enroll in school without giving a permanent address, immunization records, or other required documents
Foster Care/McKinney-Vento Collaborative
Foster Care/McKinney-Vento Collaborative![]()
Foster Care/McKinney-Vento Collaborative
Youth Services facilitates the Foster Youth Services/Homeless Education Collaborative, a quarterly meeting for districts and service providers, to coordinate services and provide support to the Foster Youth and McKinney-Vento District Education Liaisons, foster and homeless students and their families.
Date/Time | Location |
August 19, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am | COE Board Room |
January 20, 2026 9:30 am - 11:00 am | COE Board Room |
April 28, 2026 9:30 am - 11:00 am | TBD |
McKinney-Vento Education Council (MVEC)
McKinney-Vento Education Council (MVEC)![]()
McKinney-Vento Education Council (MVEC)
Youth Services facilitates the Foster Youth Services/Homeless Education Collaborative, a quarterly meeting for districts and service providers, to coordinate services and provide support to the Foster Youth and McKinney-Vento District Education Liaisons, foster and homeless students and their families.
Date/Time | Location |
August 19, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | COE Board Room |
January 20, 2026 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | COE Board Room |
April 28, 2026 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | TBD |
CONTACTS
CONTACTS![]()
CONTACTS
Youth Services Director:Alejandra Chamberlain | (925) 942-3308
Education Liaison I: Gina Bills | (925) 942-3363
Administrative Assistant III: Dana Padilla | (925) 942-3417
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Calendars